Lois Evelyn (Crosswhite) Austin, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, was born on May 14, 1931, in Hennessey, at her parents’ farmhouse east of town.

She was the youngest child of William McKinley and Jennie May (Gallop) Crosswhite and sister to Dwayne Leon and Olen Dale.

Lois’s early years were marked by a strong family bond and deep faith, which remained central throughout her life.

She attended Lone Star School, a one-room schoolhouse near her home, and later transferred to Hennessey Public Schools for her eighth grade year.

An active and talented student, Lois participated in band and Glee Club, graduating as salutatorian of the Hennessey High School Class of 1949.

That fall, she began her studies at Wesley School of Nursing in Wichita, Kan.

Raised in the Union Chapel Church, Lois accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at age 8 and was baptized in a neighbor’s farm pond. Her steadfast faith continued to guide her through every chapter of life.

Lois met the love of her life, Robert Dean Austin, in 1947. Their friendship blossomed into a lifelong love story, and they were married on Aug. 16, 1950.

Lois left nursing school to build a home and life with Robert, a decision she never regretted. Their early years together were filled with hard work, simplicity and joy as they established their first home without electricity or indoor plumbing — but full of love and determination.

In 1953, Robert was drafted into the U.S. Army. Lois joined him during his assignments in Texas and Virginia, working as a nurse’s aide and later as a file clerk.

The couple made lasting friendships and wonderful memories during those years. After Robert’s honorable discharge in 1955, they returned to Kansas where he farmed with his father and brother near South Haven.

Longing for a family, Lois and Robert were blessed through adoption with two children: Cindy Delyn, born Nov. 8, 1957, and Clint Dean, born April 5, 1960.

Lois devoted herself to motherhood and community life — serving as a room mother, PTA president, 4-H leader and a pillar of faith and warmth to all who knew her.

A passionate gardener, Lois became known for her beautiful flowers, particularly her more than 200 varieties of irises.

For decades she participated in local fairs, garden clubs and friendly competitions with fellow gardeners in South Haven and Caldwell.

Lois was a devoted member of Random Road Chapel Church in Arkansas City, Kan., where she taught Sunday School and played piano for many years. Her faith, kindness and love for music enriched countless lives.

Travel brought Lois great joy. With Robert, and later with family and friends, she traveled throughout all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and across the globe to Kenya, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and England.

Her most memorable journeys included visiting missionary friends in Kenya and taking her family to Hawaii in honor of her and Robert’s 50th wedding anniversary.

Robert and Lois celebrated their golden anniversary surrounded by over 100 family members and friends in South Haven — a testament to their enduring love.

Their time together was cut short when Robert passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 21, 2006, following heart surgery. Lois remained devoted to his memory and the beautiful life they built together.

In her later years, Lois faced health challenges with remarkable grace and strength, including the loss of her eyesight. She lived at Presbyterian Manor in Arkansas City, where she continued to share kindness, humor and faith with everyone around her.

Lois’s beloved daughter, Cindy Ball, preceded her in death on April 29, 2024, following a courageous battle with illness. Also preceding her in death were two brothers Dwaine Leon Crosswhite and Olen Dale Crosswhite and nephew Leon Crosswhite.

Lois found comfort in her faith and family, cherishing the time she spent with her grandchildren, great-nieces and nephews who lovingly helped care for her.

Lois’s life is a legacy of faith, devotion, resilience and love. She will be remembered for her laughter, her music, her gardens and her unwavering belief in God’s goodness.

She is survived by her son, Clint Austin; niece Jenae Crosswhite Swart; nephews Kenny Crosswhite (Phyllis) and Rodney Crosswhite; many great-nieces and great-nephews; as well as extended family and friends who became family through faith and fellowship.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home in Arkansas City, Kan., on Wednesday, June 17.

Burial followed beside her beloved husband, Robert, at Forest Hill Cemetery near Ashton, Kan.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Random Road Chapel Church, South Haven Fair Association or the Presbyterian Manor of Arkansas City, in honor of Lois’s lifelong love for her church and community.